A variation of greater than 15 mmHg between arm blood pressures can indicate which fatal condition?

A variation of greater than 15 mmHg between arm blood pressures can indicate aortic dissection, a potentially life-threatening condition. In aortic dissection, the inner layer of the aorta tears, creating a false lumen and leading to differential blood flow to the arms. This disparity can result in significantly different blood pressure readings between the two arms, highlighting the compromised vascular integrity and circulation due to the dissection.

Monitoring blood pressure in both arms is a key assessment tool in identifying vascular abnormalities. The presence of such a significant blood pressure difference suggests serious pathology, demanding further investigation and immediate medical intervention. While conditions like pulmonary embolism, aortic stenosis, and cardiac tamponade may involve hemodynamic changes, they do not typically present with the distinct pattern of arm blood pressure discrepancies associated with aortic dissection.